polyvinyl chloride

The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.

Copyright The Columbia University Press

polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic that is a polymer of vinyl chloride. Resins of polyvinyl chloride are hard, but with the addition of plasticizers a flexible, elastic plastic can be made. This plastic has found extensive use as an electrical insulator for wires and cables. Cloth and paper can be coated with it to produce fabrics that may be used for upholstery materials and raincoats.

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polyvinyl chloride

polyvinyl chloride (PVC) White, tough, solid thermoplastic that is a polymer of vinyl chloride. A PVC can be softened and made elastic with a plasticizer. Easily coloured and resistant to weather and fire, PVC is used to produce a variety of products, including fibres, windows, electrical insulation, pipes, vinyl flooring, audio discs, and coatings for raincoats and upholstery.

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polyvinyl chloride

pol·y·vi·nyl chlo·ride
(abbr.: PVC)
•
n.
a tough, chemically resistant synthetic resin made by polymerizing vinyl chloride and used for a wide variety of products including pipes, flooring, and sheeting.

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